Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Brazil (Ratification: 1981)

Long-term education, training and apprenticeship policies. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the Apprenticeship Programme (Aprendizagem Profissional), established by Act No. 10.097/2000 and regulated by Decree No. 5.598/2005, which establishes parameters for the hiring of apprentices. The Government indicates that the Apprenticeship Programme is an institution for the technical and vocational training of young people from 14 to 24 years of age (except in the case of persons with disabilities for whom there is no upper age limit) who are hired as apprentices and entitled to vocational training in an approved institution, which allows companies to train a skilled workforce, creating opportunities both for apprentices and companies. The Committee notes that the current legislation requires medium-sized and large enterprises to employ young people of between 14 and 24 years of age, or persons with disabilities with no age limit, as apprentices, with quotas ranging between 5 and 15 per cent per establishment. The Committee also notes that, in the case of micro- and small enterprises, the hiring of apprentices is voluntary. The Committee notes the theoretical and practical activities that make up the technical and vocational training model for apprentices, as well as the number of class hours and topics addressed in vocational apprenticeship courses. The Committee also notes the information provided by the Government on the number of apprentices admitted between 2005 and 2018 and the number admitted in 2016, 2017 and 2018, disaggregated by economic activity of the employer, sex, occupation and recruitment potential. In addition, the Committee takes note of the Brazilian Social and Vocational Skills Programme (Qualifica Brasil), for the promotion of vocational training and certification under the unemployment insurance programme (Programa Seguro-Desemprego), which is an integral part of the national employment service. The Committee notes that the programme has three specific objectives, namely: to increase the employability of workers, increase their productivity and income and contribute to the country’s economic and social development. Furthermore, the Committee notes that the programme has four components, namely: the development of training projects (vocational training courses in the form of initial and further training (Formação Inicial e Continuada (FIC)); distance learning, through the School for Workers platform (Plataforma Escola do Trabalhador), where 21 refresher courses are currently available; the Training Passport (Passaporte Qualificação), which promotes the creation of collaborative networks between the Ministry of Labour and various training institutions so that workers have access to courses free of charge; and a vocational certification (Certificação Profissional), which recognizes knowledge, skills and experience. The Committee also notes the categories of persons with priority eligibility for the programme, as well as the minimum number of class hours and basic content of the courses provided. Lastly, the Committee notes that the courses developed in the context of Qualifica Brasil, whether distance learning or classroom-based, are offered on the basis of a survey of demand for social and vocational training, which aims to identify demand for vocational training by region in order to better serve the labour market, increase employability and improve working conditions for workers. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide updated and detailed information, including statistics disaggregated by age and sex, on the impact of the policies and programmes implemented in respect of vocational guidance and training and to continue to describe how it ensures that the guidance and training systems meet the lifelong learning and vocational training needs of persons with special needs and of all sectors of the economy.